Shubman Gill’s Inclusion in Asia Cup Could Backfire on Team India

Shubman Gill has been having a strong performance in Test cricket, with a striking growth from a first-time Test captain to an authoritative leader. During the five-match series in England, Gill scored more runs (754) than any previous Indian skipper. However, some question if this should make him an automatic pick for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup in Dubai on September 9.

The prevailing notion in India is to use performances in one format as justification for opportunities in another. While there’s no denying that Gill’s a top-notch T20 player, many believe that the 25-year-old could better serve the team by focusing on Test cricket at this time, rather than the 20-over format.

Within the next six months, India will begin their title defence at the T20 World Cup on home soil. It’s during this period that the optimal 15-player team must solidify, a task that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir will start at the Asia Cup.

The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after securing the World Cup left a gap in India’s order, seeming to have been filled by Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, neither player has participated in India’s last three series. In contrast, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma have built a consistent record, given they excel in multiple skills.

One argument against Gill’s participation in the Asia Cup is its calendar proximity to India’s home Test series against the West Indies. Between the Asia Cup’s final on September 28 and the first of two Tests against the West Indies on October 2, there’s very little turnaround time. This quick change between formats may not be to the advantage of any player, especially Gill.

Moreover, there’s an abundance of choices for the Indian team. It would be unjust to move Samson and Abhishek aside just to accommodate Gill. Samson and Abhishek have formed a solid left-right combination and deserve a chance to further their form.

If trust is placed in the decision-makers to set aside emotional and recent biases, it could be beneficial to allow Gill to hone his position as Test captain and reassess their T20I team after the crucial game against the WTC champions, South Africa.